100 extremists attack Bangladeshi village, demolish 50 Hindu homes and some temples

Dhaka, Ta. Monday 9 August 2021

In the Khulna district of Bangladesh, a mob of extremists targeted the homes of more than 50 Hindus. Meanwhile, the mob also attacked and vandalized four temples. Attacks against minorities in Bangladesh have increased this year. One of the reasons for this is that organizations like Hifazat-e-Islam are rapidly gaining popularity in the country. In March, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also faced opposition during his visit to Dhaka.

The cleric opposed the religious procession

According to the Bengali-language newspaper Samakal, a cleric of a local mosque in Siali village in the district on Friday evening protested the Hindu religious procession. After which a mob of extremists provoked and attacked a Hindu house in the village on Saturday evening. Citing people present at the scene, media reports said that a Muslim from a nearby village was allegedly involved in the angry mob. The assailants used an ax and other weapons during the attack.

10 people were arrested

Meanwhile, some protesting Hindus were injured. The current situation has become tense and law enforcement is investigating. Police have so far arrested 10 people in connection with vandalism in some Hindu temples, houses and shops. Local community leaders say this is the first time any sectarian violence has been reported in the region. About 100 attackers reached the village at about 45 minutes past five on Saturday evening, according to police. He sabotaged with weapons and destroyed four temples. Six shops and houses of the Hindu community in the village were also vandalized.

The VHP demanded an investigation

According to the 2011 federal census, about 8.5 per cent of Bangladesh's 149 million people practice Hinduism. Khulna district is home to a large number of Hindus. Here 16 per cent people follow Hinduism which is higher than the national average. This incident has also fueled aggression in India. The Vishwa Hindu Parishad has demanded an inquiry into the perpetrators of the attack.